Happy New Year

Tis the Season to be . . . Heck no!


I did it.

This is my first holiday season that I actually LOST weight.

I am happy with where I am today and I am feeling wonderful. I know how hard this time of year can be when it comes to eating. I love the holidays with Thanksgiving turkey, cornbread dressing and then right around the corner is Christmas with ham, sweet potatoes, and so much more . . . I just love it. But, this year was not going to set me off course to get down to 195 lbs.

I did stall and stop losing weight for a couple weeks around Thanksgiving, but then I began to hit it hard training wise. I found I have a crush on the whole mountain biking thing. I rode our local trail here in Baton Rouge every morning for about a week after Thanksgiving, then came the wreck.

I took a spill and fractured a couple ribs as well as pulled two other out from the cartilage. Ouch. After three weeks of heavy pain killers and rest, today I did a short ride and short run. I was a little sore, but had an overall strong day of exercise.

Lastly, I know this season of eating may have set you back a bit, but get back on it! Start right now. Eat a smart meal today and go run, walk, or ride a stationary bike, but just do something! I believe in you.

I get wonderful comments on the blog and many emailed directly to me with questions and so many positive, thoughtful comments for me. Thank you for that.

Have a brilliant day, week, and month.

You can do it!!!!!!!

Recap:

June 28 2007: 434lbs

Nov. 19 2007: 328lbs

Dec. 28 2007: 312lbs

Total weight lost – 122 lbs

Here is the real measurement:

July 9 2007: Dec. 27 2007:

Neck – 20.5 in Neck – 17.5 in
Bicep – 17.5 in Bicep – 16.5 in
Forearm – 13.5 in Forearm – 12.5 in
Chest – 60 in Chest - 53 in
Waist – 67 in Waist - 61 in
Hips – 62 in Hips - 55 in
Thigh – 31.5 in Thigh - 31 in
Calf – 19 in Calf - 17 in

Total inches lost – 3+1+1+7+6+7+2+.5= 27.5 in

SUB 40!!!

Sub 40

I have been working at the weight thing and I am into this new mountain biking thing. The mountain biking is exciting, stressful, and at times painful! But ultimately it is a blast.

I have been focusing on my running as well. A wise Triathlete in our club named Vanilla once said to me, after I acknowledged that I hate running therefore I swim a lot, he said not me, “that’s the way, don’t focus on the area you need the most work.” He has a way with words, but oh how right he is. I am doing this. I have been learning more and more about interval training and I have been doing this type of training for about a month now.

On Thanksgiving Day I did the Turkey Trot 5k and I finished in 40:57. This for most of you will sound pitifully slow, but when you look at the fact that my last triathlon I did the 5k portion in 59:07 and the last solo 5k that I did this time last year I finished in 54:22 – a sub 41 minute 5k is a vast improvement.

Tonight I took part in the Reindeer Run here in downtown Baton Rouge. My goal – Sub 40 minutes. I met my good friend Pat and his lovely wife and awesome two children. I have written about Pat on several occasions. He did the Disney Tri last year with me and he has been a major positive influence on me helping in my success with my weight.

I started in the back of the pack this time since at the Turkey Trot I felt bad that so many people had to run around me. It took forever it seemed to begin running after the horn went off AND I became a bit frustrated at all the people who started in the front and were walking in droves right in the middle of the road, but no big deal after about 500 yards.

I started my watch when we crossed the start line and set out on a pace I felt I would keep the entire 5k. I felt great for the first mile and a half. After that my heart rate a very high but I didn’t feel like I was pushing that hard???

I saw a few friends out on the course and also saw a few folks that I met at the Turkey Trot.

As I closed in on the final stretch I didn’t think I was going to make it in under 40 minutes. My watch said 39:03 when a nice lady ran up to me and introduced herself to me and she is a member of our Tri club here in Baton Rouge. She was very nice and ran in with me. I crossed at 40: 37on my watch, but my GPS said that I had gone 3.44 miles which is about a quarter mile longer than a 5k (3.2 miles). But I shrugged that off since I recently purchased the band new Polar GPS that they just came out with and I assumed I did something incorrect since I am still learning its functions.

However I saw my friend Clay from the tri club and he said that some folks with the Garmin 305 (which I used to have) said that the course was a little long as well.

POINT BEING – I finished in under 40 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UPDATE

June 28, 2007 - 434lbs

November 11, 2007 - 328lbs

June 28, 2007 - 434lbs

November 11, 2007 - 328lbs

After much harassing from you, my friends and my spectacular wife I am posting current numbers and pics.

My wife has seen me a little frustrated since I have been sticking to 1200 calories (and less) but over the past 3 weeks I have not lost weight.

Let me really matter of fat here. I did fall off the wagon two or three times for three or four days at a time. I would resort back to eating high calorie crap, but I have done better at stopping that and getting back on track rather than sabotaging my efforts by telling myself that it is ok for me to continue eating badly since I fell off, NO MORE OF THAT!

Bottom line is that since the scale hasn’t shown any change for so long I have been irritable (as Amanda puts it). Our friends Ryan and Mary (both MDs who are expecting their first baby!!!!) educated her on changing ketosis levels (I am paraphrasing) in my body and how that can have an effect on my in da brain.

I have been a little frustrated after seeing weight drop off of me for 2 ½ months (434 lbs to 338 lbs) and then over the last month I have lot only 7lbs. But, as I stated prior, I did lose focus for a few days over the past month.

Therefore Amanda talked me into picture logging (that is what we call it) this morning. She convinced me I would see a difference. Me, not so sure.

As you can see from the pics . . . I CAN see a difference!

Now my focus has been elevated and I am ready to tackle my next AND FINAL 120lbs. I AM PRACTICALLY HALF WAY THERE!!! I began at 434lbs and my goal is 210lbs. That is a total of 224lbs and I have lost 106lbs thus far. Only 118lbs to go.

Mile Stones:

I ran my last 5k in a sub 37 minutes and little over 12 min mile!!!!! WOO HOO! Consider that when I run a 5k alone (not in a triathlon) I have usually averaged about 50 minutes which is over 16 min per mile and when I run it at the end of a race as part of a triathlon I average about 18 to 19 minutes a mile.

Mile Stone #2:

I broke down and bought new boxers. After my old size boxers where literally falling off of me, I bought more that were a couple sizes smaller and they were tight at first, but now are perfect.

Thanks to everyone for their positive comments and their kindness. Also thank you to the haters that really fuel my fire.

I am going to beat this and I am going to finish a 5k in under 26 minutes before 2008 is over. I am also going to finish Cajunman (Sept 08) in under 2 hours (my best cajunman was (2:38:31).

I will try and post more regularly on my weight. I am doing a few 5k runs over the holidays, but I am not planning any tri’ until Cajunman in September 08. I want to focus on losing the weight which is requiring me to eat very little and it is difficult to train and the race on so little calories. However once I am at 210 I will begin to learn my eating style to maintain that weight and load properly for energy and then I will kick butt at Cajunman 08!

Peace out.

ADDITIONAL NOTE:

After I had written the above post I had a discussion with Amanda and we talked about my fears of losing weight. I know, I know . . . What fears???? Losing weight and fears shouldn't go together but they did and still do for me.

My biggest fear of losing weight was stretch marks and loose skin. Now, many a skinny person has said to me, "who cares about that?" I do. And I write this blog with the hopes that I can be a channel for or human research project for someone who is going through the same weight issues I am. I am ashamed at times to share some of the feelings I am having about myself but, I figure that if I am having those feelings then there might be someone else going through this that has the same feelings and they should know they are not alone. I am brutally honest in sharing my highs and lows about this experience of being mortally obese to one day being healthy. I will say that even with my short term successes it is still very difficult on me and I am depressed a lot of the times event thought I am over 100 pounds less than I was 4 short months ago.

My fears are coming to fruition and I am dealing with them ok on some days and not so much on others. The loose skin is not as bad as I thought it would be, but the stretch marks are nasty. I am currently reading a journal article that discusses assisting in the repairing of those cells and things I can do to help, however it seems that there is no “fix” for lose skin and stretch marks except going under the knife and having what they call a body lift. I am not so keen on that whole deal, but we shall see.

The area that bothers me the most is around my butt. GRRRRRR. Loose skin is a runn’n wild! But the alternative – staying at 400 plus pounds is not acceptable.

The other issue I am dealing with – This is really gross – is hygiene in areas where the loose skin hangs now. In some of the folds I have to constantly monitor and clean AND KEEP DRY or I get sores. I am not dealing well with that at all. I feel dirty even though I shower twice a day and at times when exercising in the middle of the day I will shower three times a day, but it still messes with my psyche.

My point in sharing this is that I think this is inevitable for anyone losing massive amounts of weight and I am trying to look at it as a positive. Such as . . . This just means I am succeeding in my goal and it may get worse before it gets better, therefore I need to expect the worse and then it will get better??????????

I will charge on and if I can help anyone out there in blogosphere-land with their goals of losing weight please post or email me.

God Bless and Peace Out II!

New to Mountain Biking!

I wanted to share with you all my first experience in mountain biking.

Before I get to my experience I wanted to share a few ideas for anyone considering mountain biking for their first time:

1. Ride you new mnt bike around the neighborhood for a week or so before hitting the trails. Jump curbs, run into curbs, throw yourself off the bike into the yard, come to a complete stop and make sure you can clip out of your pedals going backwards.

2. Even if the website of the trails you are going to ride say there are maps available at the site, print your own. I don't have a printer at home but saw they had maps at the site . . . NOT!

3. GO VERY SLOW your first time on the trails.

4. Go after you know many others have hit the trails AND make sure you go on the trails that people STILL USE!!!!! I found loads of thorn bushes hanging over on the trails. I caught all of them before I rode through them and stamped them down at the roots for future riders.

5. Make sure you have your cell phone.

6. Don't go alone your first time.

I had a GREAT time! I love this trail riding thing. I could go all day with that type of excitement. I probably hit the dirt three times, but loved all of the except the last one (see below).

I made a few mistakes. first I didn't know the trails and ended up on the "advanced" trails several times, but I maneuvered through them just fine, mainly because I was going fast (for me) and didn't have time to freak out about some of the descents and climbs or the massive roots, or other fun stuff. I had to walk the bike up one small climb (very small) but that was because I hit a rut and didn't react properly and began rolling backwards and hadn't followed the rule of learning how to clip out in a moment of panic.

I would recommend trail riding for everyone. I am doing it for off season training and to break the monotony, but I can see hoe people focus all of their energy into mountain biking!

Now to the fun part.

As I was on one of the "advance" trail. There were many thord bushes hanging on the trails. MAYBE this is normal and just part of the fun, but I can't handle donating that much blood to the trail dirt, so as I stated I would pull over and stomp the bushes down so that future riders wouldn't hit them.

BUT there was one . . .

I didn't have time to react. I came around a small corner, saw a thorn VINE hanging out that I was heading for and the contact point was MY FACE. I didn't want to damage this precious face so I threw up my left arm to block it. The vine dug in and actually PULLED my arm back.

Problem 1. because of the vine I failed to notice the drop off just after the turn. I hit a rut the bike turned violently to the right and I began to fall over the bike down the small fall off. As I did this the rest of the vine found my left leg and torn into it and my cogs on the big ring of my bike dug into my right ankle.

I stood up at the bottom of this decline and blood was dripping from several spots on my body. I reacted appropriately (after I squealed like a stuck pig while this was happening) by throwing my helmet, cursing, and finally wondering how bad the ankle was since the cogs went in about and inch and a half.

The ride back to the vehicle was awesome, blood all over my baby blue bike, I'm still cursing. It was a blast! Also, Don't pull your sock over a wound to stop the bleeding . . . You eventually have to pull that sock that is now dried to you skin off of the wound, no fun.

Needless to say, I am ready to go again!!!!!!!!!

Cheers!!!!!

Coming Home

My Rental Bike and the engine downtown Kona

Fun Week

It is all over.

The streets as clean as a babies butt. Had you arrived this afternoon you would not realize there like was an event that covered the entire stretch of the Kona shore and hosted 1,800 athletes and their friends and family and finally a whole host of volunteers.

As I rode into town from the hotel I began to notice spots where individuals were picking up trash and duping the bags, then a truck came by and picked up the bags. It was quite organized, but then again that looks status quo with this group here in Kona.

The only evidence that the Ironman World Championships was held here just yesterday is the faded chalk messages to the athletes pushing themselves to the limit for 140.6 miles.

After I returned my steed to the bike rental shop, I visited a few areas that were packed with folks last night and then I simply sat on a bench and took it all in as I waited for the trolley.

I am sure this has been termed before now, but I am officially naming it the IMW – or the “Ironman Walk.”

I was sitting outside King Kaeamea hotel. This is the host hotel for the race. As FINISHERS came into the hotel to collect their FINISHER gear they each had earned for their exceptional feats the previous day.

Think of a person who might have ridden a horse all day – with no britches!!!!! That I the walk! A wide stance, with legs spread as to not let the inner thighs touch and a slight wobble from the shoulders to help the hips rotate.

My flight leaves at 11:00pm. I am going to hang around the pool, watch the Saints, and finish a few post cards, and then it is back to reality.

I hope I have given a small insight of a volunteer/spectators view, but I am sure I have missed many of the obvious spectacles, but that just means you need to come and experience it for yourself!!!

Peace!

I Will Be Back Next Year!

It Was A Great Day . . .

I am signing off and going to have a few many beers!

I recovered from my bike spill and then found out LSU lost!

I am heading back to the finish to party the night away and try and stay awake (sober) until midnight.

What a great day.

I was close on my predictions.

Chris McCormick (Macca) did win – which I called.

Sam McGlone had a valiant effort for second place, but Chrissie W something won. Next year Sam!

Caroline should be crossing just about the time I get down there so I hope to get to see her cross.


It has been a great week and a great day. I know I have said this a bunch, but save your pennies and come view this spectacle. It is the cream de la cream.

Flying home late tomorrow night. I miss my wife! I love you honey, thanks for the yard pass!!!!!

I DNF'd!

I Crashed

OK. I have DNF’d being a spectator at Kona.

I was riding around the back side of Alli Dr. Heading over to Queen K to see the runners on the turn and a VERY nice lady and her two children ran right out in front of me and I was making the turn.

I busted my but. The front tire of this crapy bike what twisted, but a little tug of the handle bars with the tire between my knees – kinda straightened things out.

The lady was very apologetic because I think she knew I took the dive so I wouldn’t run over her child and then when she saw my size, I guess she understood my sacrifice!!!! HA!!!!!

I landed on my left hip and left shoulder, over the front of the bike. Not too much blood, but I have ridden back to the room since my shorts well ripped and left a little inside view.

I didn’t see Caroline and was heading over to try and catch her turn up the hill, but I am in a little pain and will take my time heading back, I am about 8 miles from downtown where race start and finish is located.

Basically EVERYONE has busted on this race. I am thinking Timbeux’s pool is sucking up right now.

I am going to clean myself up and head back out to see Caroline finish.

This is an awesome event.

Macc - McGlone???? Maybe??? Maybe Not . . .

Lots of Craziness . . .

I am still calling Macca for the men. He has to catch a few folk, but I think he will be strong.

However, The lead woman looked super strong, so McGlone will have to work for my calls to come through.

Kate Major also looked strong.

Peace.

Update . . .

I was wrong.

Natasha had wreck.

She is riding someone else bike!

OK, she is my new hero!

Morning Post

Morning Report

1st – Caroline looked strong coming out of the water. I was trying to keep check on how she fared in her age group, but lost count. There were a LOT of people coming out of the water.


This event is awesome. I recommend everyone volunteer a few days and then sit back and enjoy. I will say, there is nothing like it that I have been to.


I know these people are done – Norman, Faris, and I think Natasha.

I am in a bar on the bay watching the LSU Game.

I will post again after Caroline comes in off the bike and share how the pros looked.

Peace Out!

Kona - Right Around the Coner!

Kailua Bay - The Swim Start. This is at 7:45am - A little rough!
Faris Al Sultan, Tim DeBoom, Lisa Bentley - Nutrition Round Table at the Expo

On my ride back to resort - I would not want to wash this car tomorrow!

2 Days and counting!


I’m think we will have the type of weather that a person doing Kona would want to have. The question; who does this help, hurt or does it matter.

If Saturday is anything close to the past three day it will be awesome. Let me recap the last three day and it has been fairly consistent.

In the morning it has been actually very cool bordering chilly. I swam this morning at 7:15am and the water, OH THE WATER! So nice, so cool, BUT SO CHOPPY!

I took a picture (Above) of the pier at the race start. You ill see the waves crashing against the sea wall. But once you get out about 500m it is smooth sailing and it actually helps you back in on the last 500m.

All in all, the water will be fine.

It remains cool until almost 10:00am. Now, this is different than the first few days. It warmed up before 9:00, but it has remained cool and a little windy since then.

I am not sure how windy it will be out on the Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy. I would think there will be a little windy, but it doesn’t seem to be too bad.

THE KEY is, I was running at about 2:45pm and it was overcast and lightly breezy AND this is how it has been the last few days.

This is about when most of the pros will be finishing.

All in all if this keeps up we might see some really fast splits out there.

Today I visited with Heather Fuhr at the Newton tent, then Roch Frey at the Canondale tent. Wow, the new canondale mountain bike is something to see.

I listened to a live nutrition forum with Faris, Lisa, and a nutritionist. It was interesting, but some of the questions were odd. I attribute my thinking it was odd to the Baton Rouge Tri club. We have some very up to date nutrition folk that have taught me a great deal.

The expo is pretty awesome.

I think I have been sold on the new endless pool. It is a collapsible pool and it is very durable . . . Now to talk the wifey into it!

I was trying to track down Desiree today. No luck. I was meeting another friend and made it to the place she ws a little too late, but . . . She emailed me yesterday and said we would do lunch before Saturday for my interview.

Bama – Got you covered bro. Scott – You too. RB – How many mile was that again???

Lastly,

When I was riding back to the hotel and I pass this couple jogging. The guy looked really familiar. I stopped at magic Sands Beach (Great snorkeling) and as I was locking up the bike and changing into my trunks the couple approached, I looked closer And it was Luke Bell and his new Bride!

OK, Almost ALL of the triathletes I have met most have been much smaller than they appear to be on TV or in magazines. Not Luke. Luke is a fairly big dude (for a Triathlete) and when I shook his hand he matched mine in size.

He was super cool and I think he was surprised I recognized him. As he approached I said Luuuuuke – Kick a$$ Saturday bro.

He stopped. They both were laughing in a manner like, how does this guy recognize me??? I told him I had followed him a bit, watched “What it takes” a video he is in and read about him in a few magazines. He was impressed. I told him I would holler for him. He shook my hand and off they went!

What a sport!

Now I am off to the beach to do a night swim with the Manta Rays. The resort I am in has a night time swim right off of the resort beach and dozens of Manta Ray come to the feeding and you get to swim with them, cool!

Until tomorrow!

Peace Out!

Another Day at the Office!

The "clouds"

Today was an in room office day and lounge by the pool. I had a lot to do for work, but I am not complaining since I get to do the work while looking outside at this beautiful ocean!!



So the past few days there have been many clouds and I thought this was weird since it is so sunny. I just chalked it up to Hawaii weather thinking that rocks, even when it is overcast . . . It is sunny!



Today i received a little Big Island Education. Those aren't clouds per say, or at least not clouds of precipitation. They are clouds of smoke. The Big Island (where Kona is located) has the only active volcano and it is constantly smoking and the clouds right at my resort is at one of the closest points to the escape for the smoke.



Yes I thought about that too - Doesn't that mean i am am the closest point of potential hot lava!!!?? I haven't asked out of the - what i don't know can't hurt me theory.



Things are really picking up around here.



Little update on Caroline:



Her plane was delayed. Then she was unable to catch her flight to West Coast which meant she couldn't catch her flight to Kona. She finally got to West Coast late Monday Night and had to stay overnight. (She was supposed to be in Kona Monday night) She finally arrived in Kona Tuesday night with no clothes or bike. That was the last I heard from her. She has the best attitude. I am incorporating her saying - "It is what it is." I am sure things will be fine today and I will keep you posted.



The downtown area near the pier is rocking. Lots and LOTS of people. Sunday and Monday it was sorta light traffic with more and more people showing up. Yesterday there were a lot more folk, but today it is like a pseudo Bourbon Street on a slow night.



Tomorrow I am going on my Pro search. I have scheduled to see Desiree, Heather, Michelle, Roch, and hopefully Faris. But I want to try and visit a few others.



The Underwear Run is in the morning. I will take plenty of pictures.



The Banquet and Carbo load dinner is tomorrow night and then the count down begins.



Here is the talk:



Everyone is saying Michelle Jones - Which I Absolutely agree with, but I am sticking with Sam McGlone (Who I saw running Monday).



It is really mixed for the men - Most are saying Norman, but there is a rising voice for Macca if he can close the gap on the bike a little he could catch him on the run.



I am still saying Macca. I think it will be tough for Norman to have the GREAT bike he had last year (But who knows) and Macca had a less than sub-par run last year and only lost by a little more than a minute.



But I would LOVE to see Caroline and Roch win!! Obviously I don't see Rock winning, I simply think he is awesome! As awesome as Caroline is I don't see her pulling this one out, but placing VERY high in her age group.



So, Now I think I will go down to the pool and get my tan on some more.



Peace and word to yo mutha!

1st day volunteering at Kona

Our Swag Building Industrial Complex!


Long Long LONG Day!


Today was my first volunteering day.

Fun.

I woke early and hit the stationary bike then ran about 2 miles. So nice to run along the water with a nice cool breeze. I hope the weather stays like this all weekend for the racers.

Met a lot of cool folk and we got a lot of crap done! Throughout the day we had several jobs to complete and we got them all done with smiles on our faces.

Pretty good swag in these bags and they get more at actual registration/packet pick up time.

After a long day, I perused the “Official” IM World Champ vendor room. It I funny, there are about 20 placed in Kona that advertise as the “Official” Ironman this and that.

Rode back to the Hotel after my long day and hit the pool and absorbed many Long Island Iced Teas!

Tomorrow the racers begin picking up their swag and register. Woo Hoo!

I am working on two things right now:

For Scott: Picture with Desiree Ficker and I am going to ask her if she is interested in a coonass from Baton Rouge for you. I will get you a picture autographed too, anything in particular you want it to say??????

For RB: As a high quality Pro 1. What is the longest swim you’ve ever done? Then when they answer I am just going to laugh and laugh and laugh . . . When they as why I am laughing so hard, I am going to tell them it is an inside joke! A 32 mile inside joke!!!!! 2. What was your worst Bike Crash? 3. Do you eat fried chicken for a pre race meal? 4. Favotie Band? I think that is it, other than the last question which WOULD land me in a Hawaiian jail if I ask it . . . Still contemplating!

Everyone should experience this venue. Since most of us can’t do it as racers, you should plan a vacation here for this race one year . . . and volunteering seems pretty cool too.

Until tomorrow!

Peace out!

What a Rough Day (not really)

Lazy Days Are Here Again!

Short breakdown of my day:

6:45am – Wake and shower
7:30am – Treadmill over looking ocean
9:00am – Breakfast (miso soup for breakfast!! Gotta love it!)
11:00am – Pool, read, sun . . . Wow, what a life!
2:00pm – Football at the beach grill – Packers vs Bears
4:00pm – Deep Tissue Massage
6:00pm – Dinner
7:15pm – Sunset
9:00pm – In Bed ready for another hectic day in Hawaii!!!!!


I have been doing my breakdown of the race this weekend. I have been quizzing a few folks here at the resort on their opinions about the race and here is my synopsis of the potential upcoming Ironman World Championships in Kona Hawaii!!


First my sentimental picks (Those I am rooting for big time) – Desiree Ficker, I would love to see Desiree win this race. She is the epitome of hard work, the queen of kindness, and not a bad looker. Michelle Jones, I think she has an awesome chance to repeat and word is she is in great shape and mentally ready to rock and roll. Michelle is probably on most folks radar as the top pick and that is a pretty solid choice. Faris Al Sultan, he is a heck of a guy and very humble. His bike will have to be strong, but I think he could pull out another solo as he did in 2005.

Second, my no chance to win but . . . (those I am excited to root, holler, and cheer for) – Caroline Smith, my buddy and I think she will do great in her age group, I would not be surprised to see a top 8 finish in her age group. Roch Frey!!!!!!! A former Triathlete turned awesome coach to the starz (including super cool wife, Heather Fuhr) doing his first Kona in 13 years!!!! You gotta see his spread in this months Triathlete Magazine.

Finally, My Two Picks – Chris McCormick - Course record on the 70.3 this year and super strong. I think he pulls off his first win at Kona. Samantha McGlone – Also 70.3 winner this year, but is making a transition to full Ironman which is a big hit against her, but there is something in my gut that says she will transition well to this distance as Michelle Jones did. It took Michelle 2 tries, but I think Sam has an edge on time with her success at the 70.3 race.

WOW!

On my short jog, I ran into this sign - Seed for Crack - This town has a problem . . .uhhh????

View outside my balcony!

Holy Crap!!

OK.

I have a whole new level of respect for those racing at KONA next weekend.

I went downtown and the original place I had intended on renting a bike from had no more bikes for rent (lesson learned – reserve bike well in advance next time – DUH!) So I headed down to the ocean to another rental place – they had bikes – not very good bikes, but beggars can’t be choosey.

I decided that I should get a little exercise in and since I had my runners on I set out for a little jog for my little 2 mile route to the next bike shop.

I got my bike (a little trek hybrid – rust at no extra charge!) and spoke with the Newton’s folk for a short while. There is a small public beach right downtown and I decided after my little jog that a dip in the ocean would be nice – oh and it was. The water was so cool and seemed so clean and crisp (that could be my imagination???)

After about 45 minutes in the water pretending that I was a sea otter I decided to head back to the hotel to prepare for the LSU game. Here is where that new found respect kicked in.

Please understand, I have an idea how hard KONA is on a racer, mentally and physically. I have read many an article and watched may a video on this particular race. I have spoken with a few folk who have completed this race and the bottom line is that I have always felt KONA is the toughest race out there and those who tackle her are awesome, but then today happened!

I jumped on the trek that I rented. This bike, when I hit a bump, flays off pieces of rust and the rear wheel is way out of true, but all in all it serves the purpose I rented it for, to get around.

It is about 8 miles from where I was in downtown KONA to my hotel. There are a couple SMALL hills but nothing bad at all the first 3 miles. But I noticed that I was breathing pretty hard for not exerting too much energy, so I thought. It wasn’t until I was on the backside of one of those small hills that I realized the wind was kicking my butt! I was having to pedal downhill!!!!!

I began to struggle at mile 5 thinking to myself, I am on a hybrid and I am supposed to just be strolling along Ahili dr taking in the sights, but rather I am in my own little race here and I am LAST!!!!!

Then I came to the end of the road before I turn into my hotel. Now I remembered this nice hill about a half mile before the entrance of the hotel but I didn’t remember it like this. . .

I saw it and thought to myself, you might want to get off and walk it up, NAHH!!!!!! I began to lower the gears as I climbed I began to hum the rocky I theme song, and about 2 seconds later, I was walking.

This is not a big deal since I m a fat dude NOT racing next weekend, but as I WALKED up this hill with the bike I began to think about the racers next weekend who will have to run up this hill before the turn around to head back in town.

OK, I m watching the LSU game right now and Tebow just ran in a touchdown for Florida’s 16 point, CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Once I did get back to the hotel, I put on the swim suit and headed to the pool. Then showered, then to the pool bar to watch the game where I am now.

I am plotting out my day next Saturday. I am helping with check in then I am going to cheer at the swim start, cheer as they head out on the bike, then ride to different spots to yell for Caroline and other racers.

Until tomorrow!!!!!!!!!

Oh yeah, Scott - I am working on the Desiree request . . . Sure there is nothing I can say or ask her for you???!!!!

Let’s hope LSU figures it out in the nest few minutes!!!!!!!!!!

Aloha!!!!

103

As of LAST Friday i am down 103 pounds from my weight of 434lbs on June 28, 2007.

I have almost lost a total of one Amanda!!!!!!!!!!!!

195 by 10-01-2008 . . . To Be Continued.

KONA DAY DU . . .

First let me set this picture for you . . .

I am sitting beside the beach, the temperature is about 82 degrees, no humidity, with a light breeze. I am having coffee and a fruit plate while listening to soft Hawaiian music is piped in over the speakers outside, but you really have to listen for it since the ocean hitting the beach is stealing all the attention right now.

This is going to be a good day!

Kona Day two – Buggy Buggy Boo!


Louisiana ain’t got diddly on Hawaii when it comes to little pesky pests! (Except mayfly mating season)


This is a common occurrence in Hawaii I am finding . . . Lots of little bugs.

Stepping off the plane at Kona Airport was awesome. The cool yet slightly warm breeze on the tarmac, the sweet ocean smell, I was happy to finally be here. I arrived in my hotel room at the beautiful Sheraton Keauhou bay Resort at around 11:00pm (4:00am my time) and I was beat and the bed was gently calling my name when I reached my room.

It is about 8:00am here and I have a fun day planned.

My rental bike (a low rider) should be here by 10:00am and I am going to ride just up the street about 2 miles and pick up some produce from the farmers market. They say . . . Saturday morning is the best day to visit and get great local produce.

I plan to be at a local sports joint to watch the LSU vs Florida game at 2:00pm. This is going to be one heck of a game. I have a lot of respect for Meyer and the programs he has built, Florida is a power to contend with for many a year, but I don’t think we (LSU) are half bad either. GEAUX (Pronounced GO) TIGERS!

After the game I pan to grab the prep sights for Kona as I stroll through downtown and visit the bay that the swim takes place.

I am looking forward to ending the day by the pool sipping on a beer watching the sun go down in preparation for another day of adventure and one day CLOSER to the great race!

My friend Caroline Smith and her significant other Ryan are coming in Monday. Say a couple prayers for her since she has been really under the weather with chest infection. Our last email conversation she shared with me her goal that day was to get up as much phlegm as possible . . . NOW THAT is a fun day!!!!!!!! Get your ass in gear and feel better Caroline, see you guys Tuesday!

I am going to try and take some cool pics today and will post them later tonight.

Aloha!

Kona Baby!

Kona – The travel day . . .


When you are traveling from one side of the US to the furthest point (Hawaii) plan on it taking a while, secondly plan on a long layover for a cheap fare!

The three seater plane (slight exaggeration, but not much) from Baton Rouge to Dallas was quick and almost painless. The 737 from Dallas to LAX was a little more taxing, but again, painless.

Then . . .

Arriving at LAX just after 1:00pm I hadn’t thought through the 6 hour layover that was in my immediate future as in NOW!

I tried to do the walking around seeing the airport thing, then to the sit and watch all of the unique folk who travel in and out of LAX. I think the most interesting was a group of what appeared to be Amish folk, but I don’t know how with the whole horse and buggy thing, who seemed to be lost and looking for a restroom for their youngest compadre . . . I don’t think he made it.

After this experience it was now 2:40pm, only 5 hours to go.

Dined at a Chili’s to go. Had the Chicken Tortilla soup and a sprite. Dat was some SALTY soup! As I ate I took in some of the Cleveland vs Yankees game (GO RED SOX!) but, my server made it clear I was to move along and not take up his table for my remaining 4 plus hours, so I went to my terminal and decided to do something I haven’t in a long time. Sleep on the floor in public.

I put on my Ipod on the meditation track and within mere moments I was SAWING LOGS!

Now it is 5:55pm and I have about 1.5 hours till my plane takes off into the wild blue yonder known as KONA HAWAII!!!!!!!!!!!!

When I woke it was nice to see I still have the capabilities to set a trend here and there. In the terminal with me now are about 5 floor sleeping individuals sawing logs of their own. I want to take a picture but, I don’t want to offend anyone!

In this time I decided to blog Ironman Hawaii until the race is complete next Saturday. I am going to blog from the spectator’s point of view as well as a volunteer point of view. I begin my volunteering Sunday (Help set up – day of labor) then I am going to register racers at packet pickup Mon-Wed. The rest of the time I am going to take it all in.

Amanda and I were here in March so I know the area as much as one can on a one week visit. I plan to hit the Kava bar we liked so much, but other than that I will take pictures and write daily blogs regarding my adventures!

I thought of one fun thing . . .

Let’s call it an adventure run. If you think of something you’d like me to set out to do one of my days here (THAT WON’T land me behind bars!) I will do it and post about it.

For example: If someone wanted me to search out a particular pro athlete and ask a certain question or something kooky that is in the back of the sick part of your brain, shoot your idea in my comments section and I will see what I can do.

Until tomorrow – GEAUX TIGERS, eat some Gator! – Peace Out!

The whole kit and caboodle!

Great Suggestion from Scott . . .

So Beginning Wednesday I am going to post the full picture; training log, eating log, and I am going to post my weight and measurements log every month.

Thanks for the suggestion.

I use FIT DAY for my log, it has been very good for me. I purchased the software, but you can use the FREE log which I see is just as profecient as the purchased software.

http://www.fitday.com/

I decided to register a WEB LOG that anyone can access so you can see my daily doings, if you want. I will still post on Wednesdays. Thanks everyone!!!

http://www.fitday.com/WebFit/PublicJournals.html?Owner=slim195


I like this article I read on keeping an exercise log . . .

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1608/is_9_19/ai_106652956

Keep on moving and putting less in your mouth . . this weeks motto!

The Log

Weekly Exercise – Training Log:

I have decided that since I am laying off triathlons until MeatPie in September 2008 I will post what my weekly exercise regiment was. I will post each Wednesday the previous weeks log.

Every month I will post weight and body measurements.

My next weigh in and body measurement will be October 19, 2007.


Thursday September 20: Nothing – In Omaha Nebraska
Friday September 21: Run – 3.4 miles
Saturday September 22: Cycle – 22.1 miles
Sunday September 23: Rest Day – Family and God
Monday September 24: Spin Class – 1 hr Then Swim 40 min
Tuesday September 25: Run – 3.1 miles Then Abs and Glutes (Kick my azz) class.
Wednesday September 26: Swim 55 min Then Spin Class 1 hr.

All Said I put in 7.5 hrs exercise. I want to get up to 12 to 15 hrs per week exercise.

Caroline Smith Fund raiser event

What a fun evening!

First I would like to thank a lot of folk who helped make this fundraiser a success. Without them this event and fundraiser would not have been possible.

§ The Spokesman in Mandeville
§ The Hartford
§ The Silver Spoon
§ Fleet Feet of Baton Rouge
§ And EVERYONE who bought a raffle ticket

The spread tonight was awesome! Good for you food, for the most part and great company! I got to know Tom and his wife as well as a few other folks who I have not met in our tri group here in Baton Rouge.

I had an opportunity to meet and spend time with Mr. Smith and his lovely wife Emily, Caroline’s Father and Step-Mother.

We had a good little turn out to take part in a fun evening with great food and good conversation. Caroline spoke of her ITU World’s experience in Hamburg Germany two weeks ago and a few folks asked questions and I found it very enlightening.

Overall Caroline was very impressed with the commitment to triathlon in Germany. She said downtown basically shut down for this week long event and no one really had a problem with it, the city of Hamburg was VERY accommodating.

Caroline discussed that this was a “B” race and she did as well as she would have expected since her real training was focused for Kona on October 13, her “A” race for the year.

After filling our tummy’s and hearing a few words from Caroline we had the drawing for the 2008 Specialized Transition Pro, a $4,400 triathlon/time trial bike to be unveiled in November.

We had our local celebrity, Brianna (my goddaughter) do the honors. Brianna will be one year old in 2 weeks so we knew she had no bias in selecting the winning ticket.

I was very excited when I read to myself the winner of the bike. I think this individual is a lot of fun and a down right good hearted guy AND he was in attendance at the event tonight with his beautiful wife.

You will see him on River Road sometime in November with his brand new state of the art, high tech, aero prone, Transition PRO . . . Ladies and gentlemen, I give you . . .

Cullen Talley!


Congrats Cullen, couldn’t have been won by a better dude!

Several Covington/Mandeville folk won the awesome door prizes such as Fleet Feet Running gift certificates, Ruth Chris’ Steak House gift certificates, and CC’s Coffee gift certificates. Everyone there left with lots of great left over’s if they wanted them.

My personal favorite of the evening was the Maytag Blue Cheese Torte with Fresh Strawberries and a ginger snap.

Thank you all again so much for your support of Caroline and her venture to compete in ITU Worlds, Iron man World Championship in Kona, and Clearwater 70.3 World Championships in Florida.

God Bless.

Chris

Taking a Break

I want to thank all of my blog friends.

I am taking a little time off from the tri world. I am burned out. I m tired. I hurt.

I will post here and there on my weight progress.

I raced today. I had a DNF on an easy course I have had a lot of fun racing on in the past. That is a sign

OKtri, Thanks for the props on the swim, it seems to be all I can do these days (no I am not looking for sympathy) I have zero energy. I ran this morning and for the first time I got out about 2 miles in my 4 mile loop and couldn't make myself go anymore, I am very down and disappointed in myself right now! Grrrrrr!

Jani Pananni! I did get you on the swim, but it is nothing I am proud of still!

\My RR:

Got to the race site and carried the heavy a$$ed tent to the spot I thought would work well for the after party and ceremony. That thing is heavy, thanks RB and Blake for help setting it up.

Set up transition and headed down to the H2O.

I have this thing I do, it is very easy for me to stretch IN the water as opposed to on land and I get in about 10 min before my start and stretch.

Well a gentleman who claimed to be a race director began yelling at all folks who were not purple caps to get out of the water. Mind you I was all the way at the end almost in the bushes with the big a$$ snake I saw a few minutes later. The gentleman was very abrupt with his request for non-purple cappers to get out of the water.

I ignored the first three or four shouts and then he addressed me personally. At the time I had no idea who this person was, he was just another racer for all i knew so I told him (the first time) I was stretching and had no intention of cheating and going out with the elder group. He didn't hear me I guess and spoke in a very rude manner for me to get myself out of the water. I then responded in a manner that i wish I hadn't but i don't enjoy being talked to like a child so I told him if he wanted to physically remove me great if not please shut up and I think I might have used and F word, (I did). He then said he was going to have me DQed since he was a race director.

None the less I was not having a very good start to my race day.

I felt pretty good actually in my swim. I felt I was making strong strides, but I guess I didn't since I was about 5 minutes behind last year.

The swim was un-eventful until the last 50 meters. It was great. I am heading into the finish and I feel someone GRAB my ankle and literally pull me. Then I felt and arm on my shoulder do the same thing AGAIN. So I grabbed the first thing available and the next thing you know I am in a battle royal to the finish. I was actually giggling, but I don't think the other guy was since it is VERY hard to put me under, I am buoyant.

I jogged the whole 4 miles route to transition and felt pretty good.

At about mile 4 where we turn right onto the rough road I was amazed that I was only averaging a little over 12 mph AND I needed a break! I got off the bike and pulled off to the side and noticed my front wheel come to an abrupt stop when i lifted the bike up to get on the side of the road.

MY FRONT BRAKE WAS STUCK ON MY RIM!!! That explained the 12 mph.

I got back on the bike after adjusting the brake and only made it another 3 or 4 miles before I gave up. I was very pissed at myself and disappointed in my efforts, but this whole week i have had nothing in the tank so I am taking a break,

I have contacted MultiSports and given up my spot in IMFL. I am going to race in Met Pie, but I have no goals other than to finish.

Then I will take a hiatus for a while. I don't know how long, a year maybe more and focus solely on my weight loss which I am having success. I think I am going to do a lot of running since that is my true weakness.

Thanks to everyone for your support over the years. I will stop in and post my weight accomplishments here and there.

Thanks again. I love this group even the haters.

Peace out . . .

GEEEEZ! Frustration Galore!

June 28, 2007

434 lbs





















July 22, 2007





392 lbs.

August 26, 2007

364 lbs

Total Weight Loss since June 28, 2007 70 lbs

I am still a bit frustrated since I see ZERO change in my body. 70 pounds down and I just don’t see it??????

My clothes are fitting and I am down to pants I haven’t worn in a while, but when I am butt nekkid I can’t tell a bit????

Thanks for all the positive thoughts and messages you all have been sending me, it helps me every day!

Read the Race Report below, I had and AWESOME RACE!!!!!!!!!

70 lbs

RIP VAN WINKLE Part Du . . .

RIP VAN WINKLE Part Du . . .

In July when I did Rip Van Winkle I didn’t know what to expect. Reading the race information I was really excited. He descriptions were similar to “The race course is on beautiful Rip Van Winkle Gardens – The bike is on mostly flat smooth back roads – The run is on packed pea gravel through the historic Rip Van Winkle Gardens.”

With those descriptions I was ready for a magical race running through fragrant rose petals with a mist sprinkler around every corner keeping me cool.

I have a theory. When ever I am describing a movie, an event I attended, or business expectations, I always down play the possibilities. I paint the picture a little less beautiful or wonderful than it really was. I do this so the person I am telling doesn’t have such high expectations when they go see the move, attend the event, or experience the business opportunity. There have been several times that I have been told how AWESOME a movie was only to wonder what the heck that person was talking about???

However, a few years later when I see that movie on HBO or regular TV, it was actually pretty good.

Why?

My theory – Creating an awesome picture of an event or experience leaves nothing for the imagination of the individual planning to attend the movie, or event. They have this grand duos expectation that probably will not be met.

There fore I try and give a natural easy description so that I don’t set the bar too high.

Back to Rip Van Winkle.

The bar was set too high with the description on the race website (in my opinion). I was expecting tranquility but instead at mile 1 of the run on NOT SO PACKED PEA GRAVEL I was slapped in the face by the smell of 50 foot high 100 foot wide mountain of manure and mulch! This was not the rosy fragrance I was expecting and the bike route seemed to need a mountain bike rather than a triathlon bike since the pot holes held many a water bottle captive after they were jarred from the unsuspecting bikes that drove deep into them, violently. (I was one of them)

But let me get to the facts.

As I woke this morning for Rip Van Winkle II, which is the exact same route as number I, I had a new expectation of the race course. I expected a longer swim than was advertised, I was aware that the road was going to be a pain in the butt for a couple miles, and more than that I was ready to tackle the mountain of mulchy manure that awaited me on the run.

Guess what, I had a great race and a lot of fun. The course was great. I new the swim was going to be 100 to 150 meters longer than advertised. I was ready for the pot holes and half gravel roads, and the manure was not going to be an issue.

At the end of the race, I realized I didn’t even notice the mulch.

What I did realize is:

I had a PR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I averaged 17mph on the bike!!! I averaged about 15 or so in RVW I. I did ok on the run, but I finished 12 minutes faster on the same course that I had raced on just one month earlier!

I wanted to break 1:30 and ended up crossing at 1:37. I was upset since I think I could have pushed a little hared on the run to cross in under 1:30, but I was happy about my overall work today.

I have not had time to take a picture and weigh today. Amanda and I will go to the office after we have dinner at Brent and Christy’s and weigh, then take pictures tonight and post them, but I think I am having decent progress.

My friend Caroline is racing in Germany this coming weekend. Wish her the best. Visit her website.

http://www.igettodothis.blogspot.com/

Have a brilliant day!

WEIGH-IN and Rip Van Winkle

July 22, 2007 (392 pounds)














June 28, 2007 (434 pounds)




Where to begin? I guess with my 3 week pictures (which I am very put off by) and my weigh-in.

Above are the results of three weeks, eating 1200 calories or less per day and doing my triathlon training. As you can clearly see in the pictures . . . THERE IS ABSOLUELY NO CHANGE!!!!!! I am really frustrated and set back by this.

My weigh-in:

June 28, 2007: 434lbs
July 22, 2007: 392lbs

Difference: 42lbs! (My question . . . why can’t I tell in the pictures?!)

Enough on that. While I am pumped about the weight loss, I am sad about the lack of change in my body’s appearance.

I will WEIGH-IN and picture take again on August 26, 2007.


RIP VAN WINKLE Triathlon

I was very anxious about this race since I am only 3 weeks out from my liver surgery, but I feel like I know my body and its potential, therefore I went for it.

Amanda and her Dad went to the race in new Iberia, LA with me. The race was on a beautiful piece of property named the Rip Van Winkle Gardens. Amanda and I are going to go back and visit in the future, maybe when her Mom comes down from Ohio.

It is a VERY short race, 300m swim, 12mile bike, 2mile run.

We were a little late arriving. I didn’t know it was as far as it was. When I arrived I met my email friend Emile, or “E” as I call him. E has lost over 200 pounds recently and this was going to be his first ever triathlon. I was very excited for him. I remember my first tri as a big boy and I am sure he had some of the same thoughts going through his head as I did 3 years ago when I did the tri-it-on tri in Birmingham AL.

As I was heading down to the swim start I saw Doggie and Gloria. They are absolutely the cutest couple not to mention two really awesome people.

The swim was smooth. I took it easy and didn’t push it. I am not sure yet what my finish time on the swim was, but I am sure it was average. The ladder getting out of the lake was fun, with a capital F! Let’s just say I was a little embarrassed that I almost fell back into the lake! Then there were the stairs. Here I had the ONLY advantage on everyone else participating. The stairs and ramp were very slippery. Why did I have an advantage? I am used to going slow, so I was better at it than everyone else!!!!!!

The grassy hill we had to run up was not so fu either, especially since there was this nice spectator lady who decided to push her child, in her stroller op the hill, right beside me . . . AND she beat me up the hill!!!! HA! The pebble, rocky path was not real fun, but wasn’t too bad. I bet if they bought some cheap big industrial mats it would make a lot of people happy in the future.

E was in the transition right behind me and I gave him a shout out! This was one of my faster transitions. I saw Amanda and I heard Scott (aka Doggie) holler out for me. Thanks Doggie.

If there was one issue with this course it would be the first 6.5 miles of road. Far anyone who has done Yam City tri, you will remember the frontage road part of the bike course beside I-49. Well, the first 6 to 7 miles of the Rip Van Winkle bike course is a little worse than that. It is really rough road and then there are these pot holes that will shake your core! I lost a water bottle and I have never lost a water bottle. The last 5 miles is heaven after the first 6! There was a pretty good bit of wind on the bike course and it seemed to always come straight at me!

I entered transition to a lovely face, Angel (AKA Momma Bear). I was struggling in transition. I was on track to finish in less than 1:30min but I think the after effects of my surgery were taking effect on me. I was a little dizzy and my legs were heavy.

I headed out on the run and walked the first mile. I saw Gloria coming in to the finish and she was moving! She was much focused. I am not sure what her time was either, but I think she smoked it.

It was HOT. As I was making my way through run course I saw all of these sprinkles for the gardens . . . How I wished they were on and shooting nice cool H2O on the run course, but no help. I began running about mile one as I hit the water station, but then I began walking again as I made my way through the garden on the way back in to the finish.

This is where I saw E. He was rock’n it and I was thrilled for him. I hadn’t seen him since transition so I was happy to see him now.

I began running as I came out of the tree area of the run course. I wasn’t feeling it and I was a little dizzy still. When I cam around a slight bend and saw the finish I was ecstatic. I crossed at about 1 hour 49 or so minutes. Momma Bear gave me bookoo hydration and I poured COLD water over e and that revived me back to clarity.

E crossed just a few seconds after me! He was making serious ground on me. When he gets a good bike he will be smoking the bike course and I will be chasing him!

Amanda drove me home and I slept. If I had thought it through I may not have rced so soon after surgery, but I am glad I did.

All in all, it was a good day.

1200

1200 Calories

4500 Calories!!!!!!!!

I have been on a 1200 calorie, VERY low-fat eating plan for bout 3 weeks now. There is a big difference between 1200 calories and somewhere near 4500 calories, which is what my nutritionist and I feel is about what I was taking in daily prior to this eating plan.

It is difficult, but I am feeling results.

I am also NOT rewarding myself with “reward meals” as I used to. This is when I would go a whole week eating in a certain manner, then on a Sunday have a “good” meal, usually meaning fattening, fried, food. No more.

I began running again and this morning I rode my stationary at 4:45 am for 30 minutes at a moderate level then ran 45 minutes, about 3.5 miles on a course in the neighborhood.

I felt GREAT.

We will see how I feel this weekend at my triathlon in New Iberia.

I will keep you posted!!!!!

Until next time, train smart! Remember, weigh in and pic post this coming Sunday!

I am Back . . .

I have been away . . .

To make a long story short, I had a major surgery which came about fairly quickly and now I am almost recovered.

To celebrate my recovery I am racing the day after my birthday at the Rip Van Winkle Sprint Triathlon in New Iberia, Louisiana. http://www.tri-cajuns.org/

It is VERY short and I am excited about that.

I have been focusing on my eating and finding success here in the short term. I am going to go back to posting Pictures of my monthly success or not success. I took Pics two weeks ago and will post them with the most recent on July 23rd.

I have a great deal of work to do over the next three and a half months. Many say I can't do it, but I say so what, I am going to work my hardest and hopefully come November 3rd I will be an IRONMAN after complete Ironman Florida.

I have high expectations of myself and I have a strong disposition.

I met a few folks over the past few months that I have gotten into the sport of triathlon. That always excites me, to see someone begin the sport, realizing they too can DO IT!

I will keep the blog world posted on my training and look for my race report after my race on July 22.

Peace and word to your Mother!

Louisiana Red River Triathlon

Louisiana Red River Triathlon

I was excited to get back out and race. Since my DNF at Gulf Coast Half Ironman, I have been itching to race again.

I held a client BBQ in Shreveport at Benton Lake on Saturday. We fished ate BBQ and talked while the children (mostly grandchildren of my clients) played in the air jumper thingy I had there. It was a little hot out and I spent a lot of time in the sun fishing. Not so sure that was smart when I was racing the nest morning, but it was an enjoyable afternoon with my clients.

I checked in Saturday afternoon at about 6:00pm. Sport Spectrum had a really nice shirt I the packet, I look forward to losing the 150 pounds I need to, in order to wear it, which I will.

Picked up a small pizza and headed to the hotel.

I woke incredibly early and experienced something I have NEVER done in this three short years of triathlons . . . I was the first bike racked in transition! Whoa.

Saw Caroline and met Ryan from Mandeville for the second time, he informed me! He said the first was after Cajunman last year; I apologized and told him I don’t remember much right after a race due to sheer exhaustion. I didn’t know it at the tie but Caroline had raced the day before and won the overall race at Heatwave in Jackson Mississippi. I kina expect her to win just about everything and I am probably like an annoying groupie (sorry if I am Caroline) but she freak’n rocks. Example; I am just getting out on the initial run (I will get into the tri to du in a second) and I see Kate (another awesome Triathlete) and Caroline running in, just before that I saw a woman run by who was probably ¼ mile ahead of Kate and Caroline but she was huffing and a puffing, when I saw Caroline and said “Go get em girl” she was smiling and seemed to be having a good time, reminding me that it was going to be a long day. Anyhow. Chatted with them and then found a quiet place to listen to my tunes by the river.

Earlier I was informed that due to heavy rains in North Louisiana, the river currents were too strong to swim and so the race had been transitioned into a du-athlon which is a run bike run versus a swim bike run. I sty away from duathlons because they tear my body up and it takes a long time for me to recover from them. But I was here and I was ready to race. They said they changed our tri from 800m swim, 20k bike, 5k run to a 2mile run, 15k bike, 5k run. According to my Garmin 305 it was a 2.5 mile run 16.2 mile bike and 3.35 mile run. But I did have a good time.

I ran the entire first run and actually felt good. I averaged 14 min miles (Again slow for most, average for me) They warned us about mud in two of the under-passes we had to run under, I forgot the warning and busted my arse in the second tunnel. Luckily only one person to witness it and she was really cool trying to help me up, it was very funny. I am a sweat hog and try as she might there was no helping me I had to do it by myself.
I was the last bike to get out on the course, but I made up some time on two racers and passed them. I was feeling good, at the time thinking we only had a 15k which is about 10 miles. I was churning into the wind and holding a steady 14mph into the wind and about 17 with the wind behind me. At mile 9 I was trying to figure out where the exit for transition was, but the volunteers told me to keep going? I was getting tired. I began to cramp and at mile 13 I began to think there was a mistake. I stopped and rubbed my calve and sadly I began to think about quitting. I hate when I allow my mind to consider that. I stayed there arguing with myself. The two people I passed whizzed by me, they were drafting one another and that is when I jumped on my bike and took off.

I entered transition and I was really ready to stop, quit, go home, but a little kid volunteering handing out water said to me “Mr. you’re doing really good.” I put on my visor and began walking. I tried to start a slog but I couldn’t. So I walked. About mile one I began to slog on this long stretch of no shade. I wanted to get back to semi shade, so I picked it up and slogged. I was moving so slow I am sure passer byer’s got a kick out of the guy going no where! I began to walk the small tiny up hills and jog the down hills and shaded areas. Then when I got to the last mile I slogged it all the way in to the finish.

I was so happy to be finished. The two runs had taken it out of me. I LOVE to swim and I usually come out middle ish of the pack in the swim, so it was disheartening but all in all it was a great day.

The volunteers for this race were awesome. They have plenty water stops with four and five volunteers.

I zombied through the food crowed to transition, gathered all my gear and headed for the car, by this time it is STEAMING hot. I load everything and change into dry clothes. The truck has been running and the A/C is cranked. I sit for a second and I am awakened by a knock on my window. A nice couple just wanted to check on me. When I loaded the lot was still packed – now the lot was half full. I am not sure how long I fell asleep, but I would guess 45 minutes!

Now the fun 3.5 hours drive home.

All in all it was a fun day and I am glad I finished, even though my time was horrible. This is a pretty good race venue and I would recommend it to others.

Until next time, get out and tri!!!!

Failure is the greatest opportunity for Learning

I made many juvenile tri mistakes, but the biggest was ignorance. I decided I could finish in less than 8 hours. I did the math (I love numbers and will crunch them all day if I let myself) I could finish the swim and be out on the bike in an hour.

I forgot my LSU practice nike top the Will hooked me up with. This is the skin tight top I race with. It really does nothing more than help me feel comfortable walking around in public, so that sucked. Stupid I know, but I struggle with the looks ( I AM NOT LOOKING FOR SYMPATHY I AM JUST SHARING) I get and they were double for the ½ IM.

I took off on the swim and felt great. I realized about 200 into it that I sucked at finding the buoys and I went WAY off course twice. But I really did feel great. Half way through I realized that the LSU nike top is very useful. My face rubs against my right shoulder when I take a breath and today I have a major burn from that, nastiness.

I came out of the water feeling good. Then I realized that I don’t like running on the beach. I almost fell once, like a dork.

T1 was fine.

Then there is all of that number crunching. I decided I needed to average 17.2 mph to reach my goal of sub 8. Here is the ignorance. My first year (2005) in tri’s I averaged 12.9 mph in my races. Last year I averaged 15.3 mph! All that is fine and good, but not for this race.

I kept a 17 to 18 mph pace until about mile 15 when I began to cramp. I stopped and stretched, but then it moved me to about 16 mph average. I forget what mile the bridge was, but this guy kicked butt (for me) getting up that hill and going down the other side I was FLY’N!!!! and there were a lot of cars at the intersection we turn on to 388. To all of those people waiting in their cars . . . I was a cycling machine! Then my calves locked up.

I heard Susan at about this point holler for me, I kinda whim ply yelled back, Go Susan!.

At took a stretch break and I wished I was done and I felt like crap. After the turn around My calves were becoming unbearable. I was unable to pedal properly. I was trying to pull and not pedal through since each time I pedaled down my calves locked up. I did this until the 40 mile mark where there was an aid station.

This may sound gross, but I usually am able to wee on the bike, but I couldn’t during this race and I may have been looking for an out mentally? But I went into the port a potty and it was hot in there. As I stepped out my left calf felt like it was going to rip and I whimped out and gave up.

As I was ridding back in the sag truck I became a little more pissed as I saw that I had such a short amount of distance left, but I couldn’t do it.

I arrived back at the race area.

This sucks for me (I feel like I have to say this, I am only sharing I am not looking for sympathy) I hate not finishing and having to walk through everyone back to transition. I feel like (I may be wrong) but I feel like everyone sees me before the race predetermining I won’t finish and then I don’t, I know, stupid for me to worry about even if it is the case.

I racked my bike and went to the room to get the gel to rub on my calves to, hopefully help. Bad move. As I made it up the second flight of stairs I had to wobble with straight legs. Then I hit the air condition of my room and laid around cursing and rubbing and stretching and nothing would help.

I would find a “non-cramping” position and out of no where Wham! A cramp would shoot in and I was up hobbling around the room cussing and hitting my legs. I have a bruise today on whatever the muscle is that runs to the outer part of your shin. I found that hitting them when they cramped actually made it better!! Gloria will probably yell at me, but it helped at that moment, but I have a heck of a bruise today because of it.

About 2:00 am I was able to fall asleep without waking to a shrieking noise in the room (me) while jumping out of the bed trying to relieve the cramps.

But, I am VERY glad I did it. I learned a lot and I also found out more about myself.

I am sorry I wasn’t at the finish line to cheer everyone in to their glory. That really is one of my favorite things to do is see all of your success and I like to think that my loud mouth and excitement for your success helps you and I wish I would have been there Saturday, but I was in a bad state and I don’t mean Mississippi.

My coach and I will begin prepping for IMFL in November. He wants me to cut 100 pounds by then and I will.

Congratulations to everyone! You guys rock!

Failure

DNF

Did Not Finish

I have a lot to learn about ocean swimming. I veered off course badly on the way out. Coming back in was much better since I picked out the hotel as my mark. I felt strong throughout the entire swim.

Wind was rather calm in the first 10 miles of the bike. At the bridge it picked up. I began to cramp in my calves at mile 20. I had to stop once before that at mile 15 or so to stretch them and they felt fine afterwards until mile 20. I rode through it until the turn around and had to stretch them again. They were locking up (the right one badly) and it was becoming too painful.

At the aid station mile 40 I stopped to wee wee and that was it. I was done.

I tried my best. I tried my best.

I love you Amanda. I miss you. See you Tuesday.

Thanks Susan and everyone else who hollered for me on the bike course.

I am ok, but disappointed in myself.